What does media convergence refer to?

Media convergence refers to the merging of traditional media with digital technology, which is a significant trend in the communication landscape. This phenomenon is characterized by the way various forms of media, such as television, radio, print, and the internet, are increasingly operating in conjunction, rather than in isolation.

For example, a news story might be disseminated across multiple platforms—from written articles in newspapers to video segments on television, and even social media updates—allowing for a more integrated approach to news dissemination and consumption. This integration enhances the accessibility of content, allowing audiences to engage with media across different devices and platforms, bridging the gap between traditional and new media formats.

While the decline of print media and increased media regulations represent notable developments in the industry, they do not encapsulate the broader concept of media convergence, which fundamentally revolves around the integration and interaction of multiple media forms enabled by technological advancement. Similarly, the separation of media formats would contradict the idea of convergence, which emphasizes unification and collaboration.